“We had an office in Comfort, but we needed more space to expand,” said Brian Buzzard, the company’s owner.
Buzzard, along with his family and instructor Danny Berry bring nearly 70 years of coal industry experience to the table.
“What we will be teaching, we have lived it,” Berry said.
Buzzard has over 15 years in the mines, working for Massey Energy for several years as a miner and a superintendent.
“I wanted to do some contracting business on my own,” he said.
Mountaineer Labor Solutions already employs about 80 contractors for Massey Energy and Patriot Coal.
“Our goal is to get the best miners for the companies we provide labor for,” Berry explained.
The new facility, located at 9625 Coal River Road in Seth, will offer various trainings.
The training includes, underground mine foreman classes, 80 hour underground apprentice classes, gas testing instructor, 40 hour surface, drug testing, 8 hour annual retraining, extended first aid classes, surface mine foreman classes, and task training for surface and underground mines.
State law requires the training.
“The state has a study plan we must go by,” Berry said. “Safety is one of the priorities and we also teach them what to expect and what companies expect from their miners. Everyone will know what to expect after getting this training.”
Buzzard said the business is a family operation.
“My son, Colby, stamps the envelopes, and Sharon Sauders does our payroll,” Buzzard said. “Really, all my kids, my wife and my brother Anthony are involved in the success of the company.”
July 12 is the estimated opening date for the new training facility.
“We can provide the training here and on-site as well,” he said.
Those seeking training must be 18-years-old and be able to pass a drug screen test.
“We also would like them to have a valid driver’s license and a hearing test required by most companies as well,” Buzzard added.
Those interested in training or companies looking to hire from the company should call Berry at 304-837-3925.
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